2023 Deck Replacement Cost, Installation, Options

Typical Cost To Build a new Deck
Low
$3,560
Average
$4,270
High
$5,120
See costs in your area

Summer is almost here and many homeowners are considering building a deck to increase living space and enjoy more time outdoors with family and friends.

The most pressing question is how much does it cost to build a deck?

Surprisingly, this is a reasonably priced construction project, with average costs of building a deck ranging from $5,000-8,000 for a 250 to 400 sq.ft. deck.

Most popular decking materials include Composites (Trex), Pressure Treated (PT) lumber, as well as natural wood, such as: cedar, bamboo, or pine.

Adding a deck also greatly boosts home value, and can bring as much as 70-85% return on investment if you decide to sell your house.

Labor Cost To Build A Deck Per Square Foot

Average Costs For:
Most Homeowners Spent Between: Most People Spent: $3,761 - $4,980 (12' x 20' Deck)
Low End
$3,565
Average
$4,097
High End
$5,122

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Homeowners across the US, report spending $20-40 per square foot on a new deck, including labor and materials. This is about $6,000-12,000 for a 300 sq.ft. deck.

This is a relatively cheap way to add extra living and entertainment space, especially if you compare it to the cost of building an addition, which starts at $125 per square foot.

It is important to note that your total price will vary greatly depending on a number of factors:

-complexity of deck design
-quality of materials and accessories
-contractor labor
-your location

PT lumber is the cheapest decking option, cedar wood is middle of the road, while PVC composite and natural redwood are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Most expensive, however, are exotic wood decks made out of Ipe and Tigerwood.

Here is a quick reference chart on the cost of building a deck of various sizes. The estimate also includes labor. Keep in mind that these prices are for a deck of basic design.

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Any extra materials, sealants, stains, etc. are not included. Moreover, there will also be additional expenses for building permits and blueprints, if you choose to do a custom design.

Deck Size Average Price Price Range (Low to High)
     
Less than 200 sq.ft. $4,836 $2,888 – $6,870
Between 200 – 500 sq.ft. $8,142 $5,169 – $11,139
More than 500 sq.ft. $14,504 $8,532 – $20,605

Your location can have a major impact on the total price you will pay for an average size deck. For example, if you live in one of the cities on either East or West coast with a high cost of living (ex. New York), you will pay as much as $14,000 for a new deck.

The same deck will cost $6,800. if you live in a city like Austin, Texas, and as little as $4,350 if you live in a town like Little Rock, Arkansas.

You can get free estimates for your project from local construction pros.

Deck Replacement Cost And Considerations

Typical Cost To Build a new Deck Average: $3,560 - $5,120
See costs in your area

When it comes to pricing professional labor to construct a deck, complexity of design and functionality are key factors.

The average deck size is 10×12 feet (basic rectangular design), and you can expect to pay $35 per sq. ft. for construction.

However, if you want a different design, you can expect to pay a premium price for construction. In general professional labor charges make up as much as 60% of the total deck cost.

Here is what will be included in the cost of labor when you hire a pro to build your deck:

– excavation and site preparation
– leveling and insertion of fiber form tubes for the concrete footings
– framing
– installing railing, balustrades and stairs
– if wood or PT lumber is used: sealing, staining, waterproofing, painting
– construction is done with corrosion resistant fasteners

Before signing the contract, make sure that you contractor includes a very detailed and itemized scope of work, as well as estimated dates of completion.

Since building a deck is a very messy project, the contract should also discuss how trash and clean up will be handled both during the on-going phase of construction as well as upon finishing the job.

Clearly doing a DIY construction can save you thousands of dollars – you can cut your total cost by at least 50%. However, building a deck is not a small feat, and requires a lot of prior experience, as well as equipment.

Cost of Building the Deck Foundation

Depending on the terrain and the type of deck design you want, there will be a few basic foundation options:

– concrete pillars with footings
– concrete pillars without footings
– concrete deck blocks
– screw piles

In you live in a region that gets regular seasonal snow storms or flooding, its best to install a concrete pad under the footings, to provide additional support.

Moreover if you have a very elaborate deck design, you may need a pad of concrete at the foundation to support the structure of the deck. The cost of pouring a slab of concrete ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot.

Deck Design Options

When designing a deck, you should follow a few simple rules to achieve the right look:

– surface of the deck should not be more than 2 inches below the access door
– the total size of the deck should not be bigger than the biggest room of your home to maintain good proportions
– simple shape often looks best and is the easiest/cheapest to construct
– Straight sections of the deck as well as stairs cost significantly less than curved designs

There are four common designs to consider:

1. Platform (cheapest option): typically sits low on the ground, adjacent to the house. This location allows for easy and convenient access, and is fast and relatively easy to construct. With this design, it is important to ensure that all materials are treated for direct exposure to the ground to prevent rot and decay.

2. Tiered or Raised (more expensive): is also usually built adjacent to the house. It is ideal for a location with different ground heights, so it can conform to the ground’s contours. This deck is more complex to build and needs to incorporate a number of safety features, including railings.

3. Two-Story (very expensive): works best for a location with an easy access to the second story of the house, while the bottom portion allows entry to the first floor. Because of the complexity of the structure and additional supports needed for safety, this type of deck can be very expensive to construct.

4. Free-standing / detached (cost varies based on complexity of design): ideal, if your home does not have a natural location for an adjacent deck.

Construction requires sufficient outdoor space, but it can include features, such as: multiple levels, storage units, gazebos, etc.

For example, a free-standing deck with varying elevations, a hot tub and a porch, or pavilion can cost $50,000 to $60,000.

Cost To Build A Deck Based On Materials

Here is a price breakdown for popular materials used in deck construction. Note, that these estimates are for materials ONLY, and do not include installation and other extras.

Also, keep in mind that the final cost of natural wood species will depend on the grade and board thickness (thicker boards will cost more).

DECKING MATERIAL AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ.FT.
Composite Options  
Polyethylene $7.82
Polypropylene $8.68
PVC (hollow-core) $7.50
PVC (solid-core) $9.48
Natural Wood Options  
Pressure Treated Lumber (Pine) $2.13
Bamboo $3-4
Cedar $3.75
Redwood $7.75
Tigerwood $20
Ipe $22.50

Cost of Additional Deck Building Materials

You need to budget for other common materials required to construct a safe and functional deck.

Material Average Cost
   
Concrete $75 per cubic yard. Typically 1-2 cubic yards are required to build an average size deck.
Standard stairs (labor and materials) $15-18 / sq. ft.
Safety railings (including pressure-treated wood posts and balusters) (labor and materials) $14 -16 / ln.ft.
Build a flat bench (labor and materials) $20 – 25 / ln.ft.
Build a bench with back (labor and materials) $34-37 / ln.ft.
Seal a wood deck for waterproofing (250 sq.ft.) $300 – 500
Stain a wood deck (250 sq.ft.) $150 – 350
Pressure washer $50 – 200
Removal of an old deck $1,000 – 3,000

Prices For Deck Accessories and Luxury Features

If you love to spend time outside with your family and friends, you may want to consider paying for additional accessories. These will make your deck a lot more fun to spend time on, both during the day and at night.

Deck Accessory Average Cost
   
Install electric outlet (requires licensed electrician) $300-425
Lighting $175-460
Gas line for barbecue $300
Built-in speakers $250
Pergola or awning $250-500
Built-in seating and storage $340-675
Furniture $200-500
Misting system $1,500-3,500
Portable deck heater $100 – 300
Fire pit (wood or gas) $500 – 3,500
Outdoor kitchen $2,500 – 10,000
   
Total $6,165 – 20,410

Moreover, a large luxury deck may also include a pool and a hot tub:)

Pros and Cons of Top Deck Materials

Today, there is a wide range of both natural and synthetic man-made materials that you can use to construct a deck. Prices vary widely, and each material offers distinct pros and cons.

We recommend investing into a high quality decking material that will not deteriorate within a few short years.

Here are some options to consider:

Composite decks

A synthetic or composite deck is manufactured from three types of materials:

– polyethylene ( $7.85 per sq.ft.)
– polypropylene ($8.65 per sq.ft.)
– PVC (hollow core – $7.60 per sq.ft. and solid core – 9.45 per sq.ft.)

This deck is made from a blend of 30 to 50 percent recycled plastic with real wood fibers, and is virtually indestructible.

Many can be installed with concealed fasteners, similar to dense hardwoods. Popular manufacturers include Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon.

Pros:

– superior durability and resistance to warping, rot, mold and UV rays.
– virtually zero maintenance
– No staining or sealing necessary
– PVC is resistant to mold
– Available in a wide range of colors and can replicate the look of real wood
– Hollow core options allow electric wiring to install lighting, stereo sound, etc

Cons:

– very expensive material
– may release highly toxic chemicals in the event of a fire
– hollow-core material is more prone to deterioration over time compared to a solid-core deck
– traps and emits heat when the ambient temperature is very high so it may not be comfortable
– Polyethylene is the least durable material compared to polypropylene and PVC
– flammable material unless treated with fire retardant chemical: not great for installing a fire pit on the deck

Wood Deck

Natural wood is a classic decking option. There is a wide range of species to consider, at different price points. Bamboo and cedar are budget friendly, while Redwood and Douglas Fir are moderately priced. Exotic species that are most expensive include Ipe, Tigerwood, Lacewood, and Cumaru.

If you are considering a wood deck, make sure that its sustainably sourced. Many places that offer discounted wood get it from suppliers that use unsustainable logging practices and contribute to deforestation in US and around the world.

Pros:

– offers the best resale value
– natural beauty that cannot be matched by synthetic materials
– overtime turns into an attractive silver grey color
– can last for decades if properly cared for
– quality woods such as redwood are naturally resistant to warping
– can be stained and painted in a wide range of colors
– earth friendly and recyclable

Cons:

– requires staining, weatherproofing, sealing and regular maintenance to maintain both looks and durability.
– high maintenance translates to ongoing extra costs
– susceptible to rot, mold and termites if not properly treated
– better wood grades and exotic species are very costly
– cedar wood dents and scratches easily: should not be installed on a ground-level deck

Pressure Treated Wood (PT)

If you are on a very tight budget, but still want to construct a new deck for your house, pressure treated wood may be the best option. Pressure treated wood is infused with harmful chemicals, so you should use a lot of caution and expect high maintenance if you want to safely enjoy this deck.

Pros:

– most affordable material for a deck
– can last as long as 30-40 years with good maintenance
– resistant to insects
– does not easily scratch or dent on impact
– good for both ground level and elevated deck designs

Cons:

– treated with a toxic chemical and therefore requires a special oil based sealer coat every year to protect from harmful emissions
– susceptible to rot and mold without proper treatment
– releases toxins when burning
– if PT wood deck is not sealed, its best to avoid walking on it barefoot.
– since it is wood of the lowest quality, it will tend to warp, crack and split much faster than other types of wood.

Deck Return on Investment (ROI)

While offering all the benefits of expanded outdoor living space, a deck can actually increase your house value. On average, you can recoup about 70-80% of your investment into a high quality deck.

While it may be very tempting to splurge on an oversized deck, you may not be able to recoup as much you would hope to.

Most homeowners don’t really need a huge deck and are not willing to overspend on a house that has one. Moreover, unless you have a very large, high-end home, there is really no reason to invest into a fancy, oversized deck.

Despite the fact that there are other durable decking options, real wood sill offers the best ROI.

However, this figure largely depends on where you live, and how much time people in your area spend outdoors.

Expert builders and realtors would advise against constructing a deck just to boost house value, as most homeowners view it as a nice extra, rather than a necessity.

If you have an existing deck that is in poor condition and is not very user friendly, it is worth it to remodel it. This type of update usually bodes well with prospective buyers.

However, if you do build a deck for your personal pleasure, you will likely get back a large chunk of the money you spent, if you decide to sell your home withing 3-5 years after completing this project.


About Leo Bender

Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. In addition to roofing and remodeling, Leo is passionate about Solar, green building and energy conservation, so a lot of my time and energy goes to installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems.


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15 comments on “2023 Deck Replacement Cost, Installation, Options

  1. Shelly Nguyen

    Hi Leo, thanks for the info. I just got an estimate for $63,000 for a 400 sq ft second story deck with a staircase and a door added to the inside of house, also strong enough to hold a bath tub using composit materials and glass railings. I have asked to change composite and the glass railings from glass to picket to help reduce cost. Which would only be a reduction of $8k. Still about 55k for the project. I am in Nanaimo Canada. I told them my budget was 20k and I am now given this quote. Lol

    Reply
  2. Cecilia

    Hi Leo, we are trying to build a deck on a hillside that will require 15 foot deep footings per our contractor. He is quoting us 90k for a 300 SF freestanding deck with eight 15-foot deep footings, including design and permit. That seems very high to us compared to everything else we have seen. This is a complex job in an expensive area (SF Bay Area), but we were taken aback by the cost. Does the complexity of the job warrant this incredibly high cost?

    Reply
    1. Leo B Post author

      Cecilia,

      I am not familiar enough with building decks and pouring footing on the edge of a cliff … But yea – a 300 s.f. deck should cost $5000-10000 (depending on materials, etc. That leaves $80000 for 15 footings, and at $5300 per footing, it seems WAY TOO EXPENSIVE …

      Get more quotes. Try to find a specialized builder, or even a concrete contractor that has experience working on project like yours, just for footings. Then have a deck built by a deck builder.

      Good Luck

      Reply
  3. Holiday Seeker

    Hi Leo,
    Thank you very much for your guidance.
    Building a deck could boost home’s resale value. In terms of pure home resale value, wood decks provide the best return on investment. Patios and decks can have more than 100% ROI, as opposed to 50-80% for other home improvements.

    Reply
  4. Zachary Tomlinson

    My colleague plans to boost his home’s appeal by giving it an outdoor space for recreation. I love your idea of building a deck with composite material since it’s resistant to rotting! Maybe we should look around for a landscaping contractor that could set this up for him!

    Reply
  5. Linda Lickey

    Wanting to build a 2 ft high deck 12 x 20 with railings on2 sides and covered with a gable roof that ties to the side of our house. What would be estimated cost in KS? Thanks

    Reply
  6. Lieke Lee

    Hi Leo, we wanted to remove and rebuild our new deck and extend it to from 12×24 to 20×24 feet using composite wood. The are quoting me 41k to remove and rebuild/extend the deck, no electric work. It seems high to me but I have never done this before. They will need to ask the city for permit to extend the deck, but 41k? I expect maybe 20 or even 30k, but 41?? I know there is no way for you to know exactly, but is that within the ball park range? Any info would be appreciated. thank you in advance

    Reply
    1. Leo B Post author

      Lieke,

      So $41 is definitely on the high side… i would say your ballpark is $40/sq for composite decking, with poured footings, frame, railing, etc… maybe another $2-3/ft to upgrade to Trex … but really labor is all the same … so you are looking at ~ $25000 is range … 40K is way too much … shop it out … try get some quotes here https://www.remodelingcalculator.org/free-deck-estimates/

      Reply
  7. Michelle Williamson

    Hi Leo, we are demoing our old concrete hardscape and installing a deck under our existing A-frame; we are considering composite materials, and Ipe wood. We know that some irrigation work will be needed to ensure a proper gradient that draws water away from the house. In the estimates included in this article, is the gradient/irrigation work included? I think so, because the ‘Building the foundation’ section seems to address this, but I want to confirm. We are being quoted $79.99/sq. ft. for a simple deck, no railings, and this does not include the demo of the existing concrete structure and kitchen island. Really appreciate your insight!

    Reply
  8. Vickie

    I was quoted $39,000 for a raised 200 sf single level TimberTec deck and $36,000 for PT lumber and wood rail system. I acknowledge that there are 17 posts which are driving up the cost and $3,000 of that is to to remove old decking. But it’s still $180.00 per sf! I am having a hard time understanding this. I live in North Carolina.

    Reply
    1. Leo B Post author

      Vickie,

      That is absolutely insane, and you should ignore that quote and not do business with those guys.

      On average, premium decks (Composite or PVC or even some exotic red wood or teak will cost $45-65 per square foot. So your quote is 3 times more expensive for a simple PT deck. PT should cost around $30 per foot… Maybe add railings and u will get $35-40… But not much more.

      These guys are scammers – stay away.

      Reply
  9. Jack

    I’m building a 400 sq ft deck in pt wood, and here in ill. Its a lot more then a dollar a square foot, with what your estaming here, total cost of material should only cost me $400 for 400 square feet, ? Really , please correct

    Reply
    1. Leo B Post author

      Jack,
      I’m not sure where you got $400 for 400 s.f. for materials. I ran 400 s.f. in the calculator, and get a low end price of $5941 for Massachusetts, pressure treated wood, leaving old frame in place. That is almost $15/foot.
      Please specify the section where we may have made a mistake.

      Cheers, Leo

      Reply
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